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Promise Technology launches SmartStor NAS
By siliconindia
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Tuesday, 05 January 2010, 18:03 IST
Bangalore: Understanding the need of today's customers, Promise Technology launched its new SmartStor Zero NS2600 network storage device a "non-techie" consumer-focused two-bay network attached storage device and digital media server.
Chi Chen Wu, Chief Technology Officer of Promise Technology said, "Today's consumer does not want to be concerned with complicated setup procedures, media compatibility or dealing with the process of accessibility. The consumer wants a one, two, three approach to store, share and play music, movies and photos without the hassle of integration." With having the storage capacity of 4TB, the price of device will start at $279. In the first quarter of 2010, the device will be launched in the market.
With the help of a software management tool called ON, SmartStor Zero NS2600 helps in bypassing the complicated setup processes. ON is designed for both Mac and PC systems and will hopefully make Promise's high-end features accessible to the average consumer. The ON tool will map an open network share, allowing instant access for data backup and DLNA media sharing via digital media players such as the PlayStation 3. Like many home media servers, the SmartStor Zero NS2600 also functions as an iTunes Media Server allowing music and video to be streamed (including apparently protected content) using iTunes.
Billy Harrison, Product Manager, Promise Technology said, "Today consumers are put off by the configuration and management of traditional NAS devices. Consumers want plug and store instant access. The process of creating users, managing permissions, managing shares and enabling/disabling services is a thing of the past. With SmartStor Zero, we're solving the consumer's most basic problem by delivering to market a DLNA NAS-simple device anyone can use."
According to the company, the installation does not install any device drivers or virtual components into the operating system. The SmartStor Zero NS2600 supports Mac OS 10.5.2 (or later), Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, with one-touch configuration. The company is also pitching an improved ability to access the digital data on the go. For remote access, the embedded setup wizard is supposed to guide consumers through the setup process and auto-configure the router allowing for seamless access to important data from anywhere on the planet.
The device has also Facebook integration that allows for easy uploading of photos to Facebook. The Facebook Upload feature will hopefully allow any photo stored on the device to be uploaded to Facebook via Promise's Web File Manager tool in a matter of seconds. The Web File Manager tool itself looks to have been upgraded--a welcome change considering the tool was often found to be confusing and cryptic by our reviewers.
